Barcelona's Top 10 Goals Under Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has established himself as one of the world's best managers in such a short span of time because he has managed to build a very successful unit at FC Barcelona. Having worked with youth players in the past, he has integrated players from the academy superbly, which has been a major reason for the Blaugrana's success.

Players like Sergio Busquets and Pedro Rodriguez have been extremely important to Barcelona under Guardiola, and the manager deserves a lot of credit for his faith in youngsters as well as managing the fitness of some of the older players. Under the former Barcelona midfielder, the Blaugrana have managed to develop a unique possession game, which has meant that they have dominated almost every single game played under him. 

With their superb passing game and brilliant players like Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, it is no surprise that they have scored plenty of beautiful goals. This article presents some of the most important and superb goals from Barcelona since the appointment of Guardiola in 2008.

Lionel Messi vs. Arsenal (2010-11)

Arsenal had won the first leg 2-1 in the Round of 16 and were staunch in defense until it was breached by the brilliance of Lionel Messi before the end of the first half. The ball was given away cheaply by Arsenal's former captain, Cesc Fabregas, who attempts a back-heel. Andres Iniesta intercepts the ball to produce an excellent pass to Messi.

The finish from Messi is absolutely exquisite considering that he first lobs the ball over Manuel Almunia and then finishes it coolly. He knows exactly what he is trying to do, which is why it is a special goal. It was an important goal in the context of the game that will be remembered for Robin van Persie's extremely harsh red card.

Andres Iniesta vs. Chelsea (2008-09)

It may not be the best goal scored in Guardiola's time at the club, but one could argue it is the most important goal in his time at the club. It looked like it would be another Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester United with the Blues leading the tie, 1-0, but it was not to be, as Andres Iniesta scored in the final minute of the game, which saw a number of controversial decisions go against Chelsea. 

Iniesta scored from the edge of the box with a short backlift with immense power to deposit the ball into the top corner, leaving Petr Cech with no chance. They went on to win the Champions League and won all the other trophies that season. It provided the foundations for Guardiola's sustained success at the club as they went on to win another Champions League title in 2011.

Iniesta showed that he could deliver in pressure situations, just like the World Cup final against Netherlands, when he broke the deadlock and won the trophy for Spain.

David Villa vs. Real Madrid (2011-12)

With the league game between Real Madrid and Barcelona in the next week, Madrid will be cautious of David Villa's abilities in front of the goal, especially after this fantastic strike in the Supercopa final. There did not seem like there was much danger with most of the backline in position. However, Villa just works himself some space and delivers an unstoppable shot to the top corner. 

Iker Casillas is arguably the best shot-stopper in the world, but he certainly did not have a chance to save this goal because of the precision and power of the shot. Though he has been out of form for a little while this season, Madrid will not underestimate the striker considering that he has the quality to score goals despite the defense not making many mistakes.

Pedro vs. Sevilla (2009-10)

This video is in this list mainly for the assist by Xavi Hernandez, who makes it look very simple. His pass absolutely leaves the defense helpless, and Pedro rushes in to receive the expertly weighted pass from the midfield maestro. The finish is also excellent, as Pedro coolly chips it past the keeper.

It is a typical Barcelona goal where the opponents have to chase the Barcelona players due to their relentless passing and the creative players like Xavi and Iniesta manage to find spaces and produce killer passes to their lethal forwards.

Pedro has made a massively positive impact since establishing himself as a regular under Pep Guardiola. The Spanish winger is one of their most important players, and despite being a low-key player compared to some others in the side, he has proved that he is an integral player to their success.

Dani Alves Goal vs. Shakhtar Donetsk (2010-11)

Though there have been some fantastic goals scored by the Blaugrana, this is one of the finest assists that you will see. With Shakhtar sitting deep and defending trying to provide resistance, Andres Iniesta unlocks the defense with one excellent ball over the top such that Dani Alves can take it in his run and coolly slot it past the hapless keeper.

Alves provides an excellent option to the side, and though he is not the best defensively, he provides a great deal in attack and is always available to the creative players as an outlet. He can make good incisive runs, and here, one such run is brilliantly picked out by Iniesta and Alves does finish clinically.

Lionel Messi vs. Zaragoza (2009-10)

Lionel Messi is a player who is a nightmare for defenders mainly because of his immense quality as well as his unpredictability, and with players like Xavi and Iniesta also in the team, it is no surprise that he is even more threatening. In this goal, his immense work rate is highlighted, as he wins the ball thanks to superb pressing and shows his amazing talents.

He dribbles past players using his speed, and also, his quick changes in direction leaves defenders behind. It is a fine finish past the goalkeeper to complete a superb goal. 

David Villa vs. AC Milan (2011-12)

David Villa has been prolific for the Blaugrana since his arrival from Valencia, and despite being asked to play on the wings on plenty of occasions, he has looked brilliant for Barcelona.

In this group stage game against AC Milan, he produces this moment of brilliance via a free kick. Christian Abbiati cannot do anything about that free kick considering that it is perfectly curled into the corner of the goal.

Barcelona have some of the best passing football and are able to fashion plenty of chances due to that. However, when they are not at their best, individual brilliance from the various quality players that they have helps them win games and the ability to get out of tight situations is why they are the champions.

Gerard Pique Goal vs. Inter Milan (2009-10)

Despite Barcelona lost the tie against Inter Milan, Gerard Pique produced this excellent finish in the game, helping them to a 1-0 win, which was not good enough.

Despite Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan holding firm in defense, Barcelona stuck to their passing game, and yet again, it is Xavi who opens up the defense with a superb ball. With the Blaugrana in pursuit of goals, it was not a surprise when it was Pique who received the pass from Xavi. 

However, his finish was surprising considering that he is a centre back, because any striker would have been proud of that finish. Pique sees the defender coming in to make a tackle and swivels around and calmly finishes it to give Barcelona a chance of qualifying. It was not to be, as Mourinho's men held on staunchly to reach the final and win the tournament.

David Villa vs. Manchester United

Manchester United's former goalkeeper, Edwin Van Der Sar, was one of the finest goalkeepers in the last decade, and his final appearance was in the Champions League final. However, he was unable to keep a clean sheet mainly because of the quality of Barcelona.

The third goal by David Villa, which sealed the fate of Manchester United, was the last one conceded by the Dutchman, but it was one he could not have done anything.

Villa receives the ball from Busquets on the edge of the area and curls the ball past the goalkeeper's outstretched hand into the top corner of the goal. It was a fantastic strike from a quality striker and came at a very important time because it provided Barcelona with a two-goal cushion and ensured their victory in the final.

Lionel Messi vs. Real Madrid (2010-11)

Though Barcelona consist of many quality players, there is arguably no one in the world as good as Lionel Messi, and he once again proved his calibre by scoring a superb goal against Real Madrid. It was in the first leg of the Champions League Semifinal that Messi produces this sublime goal.

The Madrid players were admittedly tired, having worked very hard since the harsh sending-off of Pepe, but this was a sensational individual goal where Messi shows his class.

He was the one who scored the first goal of the game as well, from an Ibrahim Afellay cross, but this was a special goal in which he takes on defenders and beats them with ease. Iker Casillas is left stranded by his defenders, and he cannot do anything regarding that superb finish from Messi.

Some of the Best Team Goals by Barcelona

Barcelona are renowned for their tiki-taka under Pep Guardiola, and they have scored several scintillating team goals in the last few years. This compilation shows some of the best team goals, and every Barcelona fan will enjoy these brilliant goals.

Real Madrid will continue to provide Barcelona with stiff competition, and it will be a great contest between the two Spanish giants as to who will succeed in winning the league title this season.